No, most orthodontists recommend lifetime retention for ortho patients - and most Six Month Smiles Providers do the same. Lifetime retention means that the patient is using some form of retainer for the rest of their life. Six Month Smiles recommended protocol is bonded lingual retainer as well as a clear essix-style retainer. Once the bonded retainers are placed, the patient can wear the removeable retainers for 6 months full time, then 6 months every night and then 3-5 nights per week for the rest of their lives.
Retention at the completion of treatment is the same no matter which orthodontic option you choose, whether traditional or guided ortho. The methods of retention, both fixed and removable, are also similar, regardless of the two forms of orthodontics.
